Bibiano Fernandes names 23-player India U17 squad for 2026 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
Synopsis
Bibiano Fernandes has locked in India's 23-player roster for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the squad now en route from Doha to Jeddah. The Blue Colts face a Group D gauntlet against Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea — but a quarter-final finish also secures a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup. Mixed preparation form (1-0 and 1-5 against UAE, 3-0 win over Indonesia offset by losses to Korea and Thailand) sets up a high-stakes May campaign.
Key Takeaways
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes named a 23-member squad for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia on 1 May .
India are in Group D with Australia , Uzbekistan , and DPR Korea ; fixtures on 6 May , 10 May , and 13 May respectively.
Top two teams from the group advance to quarter-finals and secure FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 qualification.
Squad includes 3 goalkeepers , 7 defenders , 5 midfielders , and 8 forwards .
Pre-tournament friendlies yielded mixed results: 1-0 win and 1-5 loss vs UAE, 3-0 win vs Indonesia, 2-2 draw vs Thailand, 1-2 loss vs Korea.
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes on Friday, 1 May announced the 23-member squad for India's U17 men's national team at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The Blue Colts, currently in Doha, Qatar, have completed two friendly matches against Qatar (1-1 and 0-0 behind closed doors) and will depart for Jeddah on 3 May.
Group stage draw and fixtures
India have been placed in Group D alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea (North Korea). The Republic of Korea withdrew from the tournament, reducing the group to four teams. India's matches are scheduled as follows: Australia on 6 May, Uzbekistan on 10 May, and DPR Korea on 13 May.
Path to the World Cup
The top two finishers in each group advance to the quarter-finals. Notably, reaching the quarter-finals also secures automatic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 — a significant incentive for the Indian contingent. This dual pathway has intensified focus on group-stage performance.
Preparation record and recent friendlies
India's build-up has been mixed. In late April, the U17 team played two friendlies against the United Arab Emirates in Samut Prakan, Thailand: a 1-0 victory on 17 April followed by a 1-5 defeat on 21 April. Earlier, in March, Fernandes' side contested three matches in Lopburi, Thailand: a 2-2 draw against Thailand, a 3-0 win over Indonesia, and a 1-2 loss to the Republic of Korea. The squad then continued its training camp in Kolkata.
Squad composition
The 23-player roster is divided across four positions. Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar. Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia. Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
Tournament significance and next steps
The AFC U17 Asian Cup serves as a crucial development platform and World Cup qualifier for emerging talent. With the squad now finalised and travel logistics confirmed, India's focus shifts to tactical refinement and acclimatisation in Jeddah ahead of the opening Group D clash against Australia on 6 May.
Point of View
With representation from multiple states indicating a decentralised talent pipeline. However, the preparation record — a 1-5 drubbing against UAE sandwiched between a win and two defeats — suggests inconsistency at the worst possible moment. Against Australia and Uzbekistan, India will need to tighten defensively; the forward line has shown spark but lacks clinical finishing. Reaching the World Cup hinges on converting one group-stage performance into a quarter-final berth.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the head coach of India's U17 team for the AFC Asian Cup 2026?
Bibiano Fernandes is the head coach of India's U17 men's national team for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Which teams are in India's group at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026?
India are in Group D alongside Australia , Uzbekistan , and DPR Korea . The Republic of Korea withdrew, leaving four teams in the group.
When and where are India's group-stage matches?
India play Australia on 6 May , Uzbekistan on 10 May , and DPR Korea on 13 May , all in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia .
What is the significance of reaching the quarter-finals?
Finishing in the top two of the group stage secures automatic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 , making group-stage performance critical for India's youth development pathway.
How many players are in India's squad and how are they distributed?
India's 23-member squad comprises 3 goalkeepers , 7 defenders , 5 midfielders , and 8 forwards .
